Ub Iwerks (born March 24, 1901, in Kansas City, Missouri, USA; died July 7, 1971, in Burbank, California, USA) was an American animator, cartoonist, and special effects technician best known for his close collaboration with Walt Disney. A key figure in the creation of some of Disney's most iconic characters and animated films, Iwerks is often regarded as one of the unsung heroes of animation history. He was responsible for many of the technical innovations that helped shape early animation and played a significant role in the creation of Mickey Mouse, the mascot of Disney.
Early Life and Career
Iwerks was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and showed a talent for drawing from a young age. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute, where he first met Walt Disney. Both shared a passion for animation and cartoons, which led them to begin working together early in their careers.
Before founding Walt Disney Studios, Iwerks worked for Disney’s earlier animation ventures, such as the Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City. The two men developed a close friendship, and Iwerks joined Disney in 1923 as his first employee at the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio (which would later become Walt Disney Studios).
Partnership with Walt Disney
Iwerks' relationship with Disney was central to the early success of the animation studio. His technical expertise and skills in animation helped Walt Disney bring his vision to life. The two collaborated on many early Disney projects, and Iwerks became the animator who brought Disney's most famous character, Mickey Mouse, to life.
Creation of Mickey Mouse
While Walt Disney conceptualized the character, Iwerks was the one who drew the first sketches and refined the design of Mickey Mouse, transforming him into the friendly and recognizable character that would become the symbol of the Disney brand. It is often said that Iwerks was the "true animator" of Mickey during the early years, responsible for many of the character’s early appearances in films like Steamboat Willie (1928), the first Mickey Mouse cartoon with synchronized sound.
- Steamboat Willie: Iwerks played a crucial role in the production of Steamboat Willie, where he animated many of Mickey’s movements. The film’s success was revolutionary for animation, marking the first time that synchronized sound was used with an animated film.
- Character Design and Animation: Iwerks was known for his remarkable speed and precision in animation. It is estimated that he could produce more frames of animation in a single day than most other animators. His ability to draw quickly and efficiently helped Disney’s studio meet the demands of the industry during the 1920s and 1930s.
Technical Innovations and Contributions
In addition to his artistry, Iwerks was instrumental in pioneering many animation techniques. He was a driving force behind the technological advancements that were integral to the development of animation as a medium.
The Multi-Plane Camera
Iwerks worked closely with Walt Disney and the animation team to develop the multi-plane camera, a device that allowed for more depth and dimension in animation. This technique became essential in creating more realistic and dynamic animation, particularly in Disney films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
The multi-plane camera allowed animators to layer different backgrounds and animate them separately, creating the illusion of depth and making the animation appear more lifelike. The process revolutionized animated films, contributing to the development of a more cinematic style of animation.
Technological Innovations in Animation
Iwerks was also responsible for various technical advancements in the animation process. He introduced techniques for improving the efficiency of animation, including the creation of new camera equipment and processes for optimizing animation production. Many of these innovations streamlined the animation process, saving time and allowing animators to focus more on creative aspects.
Departure from Disney and Solo Career
Although Iwerks was instrumental in the early years of Disney, he left the company in 1930 due to differences with Walt Disney over creative and business decisions. Following his departure, Iwerks established his own animation studio, Iwerks Studio, where he continued to develop animation and special effects techniques.
Unfortunately, Iwerks' solo venture did not achieve the same level of success as his work with Disney. Despite creating a number of short films and technological innovations, his studio struggled, and he eventually sold it. However, his legacy in animation continued to resonate throughout the industry.
Special Effects in Live-Action Films
After closing his own studio, Iwerks worked on a number of special effects for live-action films, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. He worked on films such as The Birds (1963) and Mary Poppins (1964), applying his expertise in animation and visual effects to enhance live-action films with special techniques like matte painting, miniatures, and compositing.
Return to Walt Disney Studios
In 1940, after a period of working independently, Iwerks returned to Walt Disney Studios and began working on special effects and technical innovations for films. His return marked a resurgence of his collaboration with Disney, and he contributed to the development of several Disney films in the 1940s and beyond.
During this time, he worked on creating visual effects for Disney’s live-action and animated hybrid films. He also helped in the creation of Disneyland’s audio-visual effects, contributing his technical expertise to the development of the first theme park.
Legacy and Recognition
Ub Iwerks’ contributions to the animation industry are widely recognized, though much of his work has been overshadowed by the fame of Walt Disney. Despite this, Iwerks’ legacy as a key innovator in the animation world is firmly cemented.
Posthumous Recognition
Iwerks was posthumously honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an Academy Award for Technical Achievement in recognition of his contributions to animation and special effects. He was also named as a Disney Legend in 1989.
Influence on Animation
Iwerks' work not only shaped the early years of Walt Disney Studios but also had a lasting impact on the entire animation industry. His technical achievements, particularly in the areas of camera technology, special effects, and animation techniques, influenced countless animators and filmmakers who came after him. His efficiency and attention to detail set a standard for animation that is still valued today.
Personal Life
Iwerks was married to Marion Iwerks, and the couple had a family. Despite his deep involvement in the animation world, Iwerks maintained a relatively low profile and remained somewhat reserved about his contributions, always attributing much of his success to his partnership with Walt Disney. However, his peers and colleagues within the industry always recognized his talent and dedication.
Ub Iwerks was a visionary and an essential figure in the history of animation. His technical innovations, including his contributions to the creation of Mickey Mouse, the multi-plane camera, and his special effects work in live-action films, set the groundwork for the animation industry as we know it today. While Walt Disney’s name is synonymous with the success of his studio, Iwerks’ invaluable contributions to animation, both creatively and technically, are an integral part of Disney’s legacy and the broader development of film.